Interestingly, in 2017, Georgia marked a significant milestone as it became the last US state to grant breweries the right to sell their products to customers directly.
This change not only reflects evolving attitudes towards alcohol but also prompts the question. “What time can you buy beer in Georgia?”
With my recent visit to the Peach State, here are some things I have observed from establishments and locals I have encountered.
When Can You Buy Beers In Georgia?
You can buy beers in Georgia from 8:00 a.m. until 11:45 p.m., Monday through Saturday. But on Sundays, it’s usually from 12:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.
Beer was not made to be moralized about, but to be drunk.” – Theodore Maynard, Poet and Historian
When I visited Clayton, I noticed that the off-premise sale of alcohol starts from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Coweta, Decatur, Franklin, Murray, and Dodge, Georgia’s remaining dry counties, may prohibit even the retail sales of beers or any wine.
Read: Does Walgreens Sell Liquor?
Understanding Georgia Beer Sale Hours
Alcohol laws in Georgia vary depending on the individual counties, which could be a real headache. Bars and restaurants serve alcohol later, while some counties require bars to close much earlier.
To-go mixed drinks are available at restaurants, but they should be in approved, sealed containers during transport, or you can be subject to Open Containers.
Drunk driving for minors can cause them a suspended license. A BAC lower than 0.08 legal limit or any alcoholic smell on underage drivers can give them a few months of jail time.
And they might need to pay a fine for a license-returned DUI program. Thankfully, only the person who consumed alcoholic beverages will be charged.
Purchasing Hours
Sunday
Before 2011, residents were not allowed to buy alcoholic drinks on Sundays at grocery stores or even liquor stores. That’s why I’m relieved to have my visit after the implementation of the laws allowing licensed retailers to sell alcohol on Sundays.
Although they still vary on the restricted alcohol sales time, the general Sunday sales hours there are from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. [1]
Read: When Do They Stop Selling Beer In Texas?
Saturday
In Georgia, most counties sell alcohol on Saturdays, similar to its Monday-to-Friday schedule. When I visited Clayton, I was glad to hear that off-premise consumption of alcohol can be as early as 7:00 a.m.
Weekdays
You can grab your six-pack before or after work during weekdays, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. selling time. Bars and restaurants can only sell alcohol from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Grocery stores can sell beer and wine from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., while distilled spirits are only available at package and liquor stores.
Read: What Time Can You Buy Beer In New York?
How Early Can You Buy Beers On Saturday In Georgia?
The earliest you can buy beers in Georgia is at 7:00 a.m. Some counties may allow you to buy alcohol around 8:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays and weekdays, but it still depends on local laws.
An election or Christmas day can cause later alcohol sales hours. But how much is a keg of beer?
What Time Can You Buy Beers At A Gas Station?
You can buy beers at Georgia gas stations from 8:00 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. But you must remember that the operating hours of gas stations vary.
Some would have operating hours until 10:00 p.m., especially in small towns or less populated areas, ending selling alcoholic drinks earlier.
Some gas stations (with attached convenience stores) are licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption.
Read: What Time To Buy Beer In Florida
How Late Can You Buy Beer In Georgia?
In Georgia, the latest you can purchase beer is at midnight. We saw a couple of stores still open around 2:00 a.m. while visiting and driving around Clayton County and tried to ask for some beers.
“Crafting a distinctive cadence, Georgia’s beer buying windows span the spectrum from morning’s light to the edge of night.” – Liquor Laboratory
We were told that selling beer and wine would resume at seven in the morning, a Wednesday, for the off-premises consumption. Unfortunately, 2:00 a.m. was already late for on-premise consumption.
FAQs Related to What Time Can You Buy Beer In Georgia?
Can you buy beer 24 hours in GA?
No, you cannot buy beer 24 hours a day in Georgia. Unlike in some places in Nevada where you can buy alcoholic drinks 24/7, Georgia has more restrictions.
Can minors drink beers with their parents in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia law allows minors to drink some beers with their parents under certain circumstances, such as medical and religious reasons [2].
Can you buy unsealed beer containers like growlers in Georgia?
Yes, you can buy unsealed beer containers like growlers in Georgia. It has been legal to do so since 2010.
However, you must keep them sealed while in transit to avoid breaking the “Open Container” laws that may subject you to DUI penalties. But what’s the best beer for beginners?
Can you buy beer at any time of day in Georgia?
No, there are specific hours during which beer can be purchased in Georgia. Retail stores are prohibited from selling beer outside of the designated hours.
Can you purchase beer from bars or restaurants at any time in Georgia?
No, bars and restaurants in Georgia are subject to different regulations regarding the sale of alcohol. Generally, alcohol service hours for on-premises consumption may extend later into the night compared to retail sales hours.
Are there any restrictions on the sale of beer in Georgia?
Yes, beer sales are restricted to individuals who are 21 years of age or older. Additionally, certain counties or municipalities may have specific regulations regarding the sale of alcohol, including limitations on hours of sale or restrictions on certain types of establishments.
Can you buy beer on Sundays in Georgia?
Yes, beer can be purchased on Sundays in Georgia. However, retail stores are only permitted to begin selling beer at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays, instead of 6:00 a.m. as on other days of the week.
Final Say
The varying alcohol laws in the United States are confusing. Licensed retailers can sell alcohol (or packaged alcohol) in Georgia, except for distilled spirits, which are only available in liquor stores.
Bars and restaurants usually serve alcohol later, while dry counties may prohibit alcohol altogether.
Georgia still set their BAC legal limit at 0.08% and legal drinking age at 21.
If an underage person is caught drunk driving, they may be subject to a suspended license, up to one year of jail time, or a DUI program.
References:
- https://www.11alive.com/amp/article/news/politics/elections/atlanta-extend-beverage-sales-hours/85-c6b61231-e838-44b6-a355-04d4494c436c
- https://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/parenting/georgia-law-says-teens-can-have-alcohol-sometimes/ebX99H7Rd8WCeDBm5qAJFI/
